Double decker article carrier for receiver assembly

ABSTRACT

A double decker article carrier for mounting to a receiver assembly includes a frame having a pair of mounting bars for securing the frame to the receiver assembly and a pair of support members. A first platform is carried by the mounting bars and a second platform is carried by the support members. The platforms are carried in an aligned, stacked configuration with one over the other.

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/968,764, entitled “Double Decker Article Carrier forReceiver Assembly,” now U.S. Pat. No. ______.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to accessories formounting on receiver assemblies and, more particularly, to a doubledecker article carrier for mounting in an accessory receiver of areceiver assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It has long been known to construct towing hitches that aremounted to vehicles in order to allow the towing of trailers or thelike. In recent years such hitches have been designed to include areceiver box having a rearwardly directed opening or cavity for thereceipt of a hitch or draw bar that carries a hitch ball or other meansallowing connection to a trailer. Examples of such a structure includethe Insta-Hitch II and Custom Hitch Receiver 35365 as manufactured byReese Products, Inc. of Elkhart, Ind. Such a hitch receiver is alsodisclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,837 to Reese, owned byReese Products, Inc.

[0004] Recent efforts to enhance the versatility of a hitch receiverhave led to development of various accessories (e.g., both open andclosed article carriers, bike racks, ski racks, tables, winches or otherequipment) mounted by means of an accessory mounting bar in the receiverbox of a trailer hitch receiver assembly. Because of their convenienceand suitability to the particular applications/interests of the user,such accessories have become very popular.

[0005] In order to allow for or accommodate trailer towing and accessorymounting simultaneously, a trailer hitch assembly with both a trailerhitch receiver and accessory receivers has been recently developed andis the subject of, for example, U.S. Patent Application Serial No.60/194,502, filed Apr. 3, 2000 and 60/243,486 filed Oct. 26, 2000. Thisnew receiver assembly includes a central frame member, a mountingbracket carried on each end of the central frame member for securing thecentral frame member to the vehicle, a hitch receiver box carried on thecentral frame member and at least one accessory port for receiving andholding a recreational and/or utilitarian accessory.

[0006] The present invention relates to a double decker article carrierparticularly adapted for mounting in a receiver box and/or accessory

[0007] receiver of a receiver assembly. The article carrier allows theuser heretofore unknown versatility in arranging and transportingarticles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with the purposes of the present invention asdescribed herein, a double decker article carrier is provided formounting to a trailer hitch receiver on a towing vehicle. The articlecarrier includes a frame having at least one mounting bar and at leastone support member. A first platform is carried on the mounting bar. Asecond platform is carried on the support member.

[0009] More particularly describing one particular embodiment of theinvention, the double decker article carrier includes a frame having apair of mounting bars for securing the frame to the receiver assemblyand a pair of support members. A first platform is carried on the pairof mounting bars and a second platform is carried on the pair of supportmembers. Fasteners are provided for securing the first and secondplatforms to the pair of mounting bars and pair of support membersrespectively.

[0010] In one possible embodiment the support members are substantiallyL-shaped. Further, at least one tie rod may be secured to the firstplatform. Additionally, at least one tie rod may be secured to thesecond platform. Additionally, the platforms are carried in an aligned,stacked configuration. This structural arrangement allows tremendousversatility in carrying various articles of different types in a mostsecure and efficient manner.

[0011] In the following description there is shown and described apreferred embodiment of this invention, simply by way of illustration ofone of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will berealized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments andits several details are capable of modification in various, obviousaspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part ofthe specification, illustrate several aspects of the present inventionand together with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a trailer hitch receiverassembly of the type to which the double decker article carrier of thepresent invention may be mounted;

[0014]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the double deckerarticle carrier of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the double decker articlecarrier of the present invention; and

[0016]FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the double deckerarticle carrier of the present invention.

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Reference is now made to FIG. 1 showing a receiver assembly,generally designated by reference numeral 10. The receiver assembly 10includes a central frame member or cross member 12 preferably formedfrom a pair of tubular steel sections 14 welded to the opposed sidewalls 16 of a centrally located receiver box 18 so as to projectoutwardly in opposing directions. The tubular steel sections 14 may beformed with a round cross section as shown in the drawing figures, asquare cross section or any other appropriate shape providing thenecessary strength to function as a receiver assembly.

[0019] The receiver box 18 includes a reinforced lip 20 defining anopening leading to a hitch bar receiving cavity 22. Aligned apertures 24in the opposing side walls 16 of the receiver box 18 allow the secureconnection of a hitch bar in the receiver box in a manner well known inthe art by means of a connecting pin and cooperating pin clip (notshown). A chain plate 26 of steel material is welded to the receiver box18 and tubular steel sections 14 in order to strengthen the connection.As is known in the art, chain plate 26 includes two apertures 28. Thesafety chains of a trailer may be connected to the chain plate 26through engagement in these apertures 28.

[0020] Vehicle mounting brackets 30 are mounted adjacent the distal endof each tubular section 14. More specifically, each mounting bracket 30includes a notch 32 sized and shaped to receive the tubular section 14.The brackets 30 are welded to the tubular sections 14 in order tocomplete the connection. The mounting brackets 30 each include amounting flange 34 and an upwardly projecting mounting lug 36, both withapertures 38. Nut and bolt fasteners (not shown) are extended throughthese apertures 38 and cooperating apertures drilled in the frame of thetowing vehicle in order to mount the trailer hitch assembly 10 thereto.

[0021] As also shown in FIG. 1, the receiver assembly 10 incorporates apair of tow hooks or loops 40, one integrally formed in each mountingbracket 30. The tow hooks 40 may be engaged with a tow line such as arope, chain or cable in order to complete certain towing applications.As also shown, the receiver assembly 10 includes a pair of accessoryreceivers 50 carried on the tubular sections 14 of the central framemember 12. Each of the accessory receivers 50 is formed from a steeltube that is welded to the section 14 so that one accessory receiver ispositioned between the receiver box 18 and each mounting bracket 30.

[0022] As shown, each accessory receiver 50 includes a circular port oropening 52 and cooperating aligned apertures 54 in the sidewall thereofto allow secure connection of a useful accessory by means of aconnecting pin and pin clip of a type well known in the art such asutilized to secure the hitch bar in the receiver box 18. Each of theaccessory receivers 50 is oriented with respect to the central framemember 12, receiver box 18 and the towing vehicle upon which theassembly 10 is mounted so as to be readily accessible by the towingvehicle operator. More specifically, each falls in a first plane whichdefines an included angle of between about 10° to about 30° (e.g. 20°)with a second plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the receiverbox 18 and the central frame member 12. Thus, the accessory receivers 50have a port or opening 52 that opens upwardly for better visibility andaccessibility that directly leads to easy connection of an accessory.

[0023] As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, the double decker article carrier 60of the present invention may be mounted to the receiver assembly 10shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the double decker article carrier 60includes a frame generally designated by reference numeral 62. The frame62 has a pair of mounting bars 64. Each mounting bar 64 includes aproximal end 66 for securing in an accessory receiver 50 of the receiverassembly 10 and receives and holds a first article carrier platform 70.As shown, the proximal ends 66 of the mounting bars 64 have a circularcross section that is concentrically received and snugly fits within theaccessory receivers 50.

[0024] A pair of aligned mounting apertures 72 are provided at opposedsides of the proximal ends 66. When the ends 66 of the mounting bars 64are properly inserted in the accessory receivers 50, the mountingapertures 72 are aligned with the cooperating apertures 54 in the sidewall of the accessory receivers. A pin 74 (see FIG. 1) of a type knownin the art is then inserted through the aligned apertures 54, 72 and acooperating pin clip 76 is utilized to secure the pin in position andcomplete the connection. More specifically, the pin 74 includes a head78 at one end and a pin clip receiving groove 80 adjacent the oppositeend. Together, the head 78 and the pin clip 76 prevent the pin 74 frombeing inadvertently removed from the aligned apertures 54, 72 in thereceiver 50 and bar 64 respectively so as to complete a secure andpositive connection.

[0025] The first platform 70 may, for example, take the form of a moldedplastic tray with a corrugated bottom for added strength as illustratedin the drawing figures. Alternatively, the platform 70 may be made fromother relatively high strength and low weight materials such as aluminumand may also include other configurations. The platform 70 is secured tothe bar 64 of the two mounting bars 64 by means of fasteners 82. Theillustrated fasteners 82 comprise cooperating nuts and bolts which arereceived in aligned apertures in the first platform 70 and the mountingbars 64. Of course, any other appropriate fastening means of a typeknown in the art may be utilized.

[0026] Projecting upwardly and welded to each mounting bar 64 is asupport member 84. Each support member 84 is substantially shaped likean L. While welding is a convenient and efficient way to secure steelsupport members 84 and steel mounting bars 64 together, it should beappreciated that other fastening arrangements could be utilizedincluding but not limited to cooperating brackets and fasteners and pinand socket arrangements.

[0027] A second platform 86, which may be constructed in the same manneras the first platform 70, is carried on the support members 84.Fasteners 88 are utilized to secure the second platform 86 to thesupport members 84. The fasteners 88 may take the form of cooperatingnuts and bolts as illustrated in the drawing figures. Specifically, thebolts extend through cooperating, aligned apertures in the secondplatform 86 and the support members 84. The second platform 86 and thesupport members 84 then are secured together by tightening the nuts onthe bolts. Of course, as noted above with regard to the fasteners 82,substantially any other appropriate fasteners of a type known in the artmay be utilized to achieve this purpose.

[0028] Each of the platforms 70, 86 may include various openings (notshown) in the bottom wall 92 thereof. These openings allow for water todrain from the platforms 70, 86 and also provide a place to securebungee cords, ropes or tie lines utilized to secure articles on theplatforms. Side walls 94 on the platforms 70, 86 further help tomaintain those articles in position. Those side walls 94 alsoincorporate a rounded lip 96 for added strength.

[0029] In addition to the side walls 94, each of the platforms 70, 86may also carry a tie rod 98. In the illustrated embodiment, front andrear tie rods 98 are provided on each platform 70, 86. The tie rods 98are secured to the platforms by cooperating nut and bolt fasteners 100which extend through cooperating apertures in the ends of the tie rods98 and the side walls 94 of the platforms 70, 86.

[0030] As shown, the tie rods 98 project upwardly above the top of theside walls 94 thereby providing additional support to articles carriedon the platforms 70, 86. Additionally, the tie rods 98 provide aconvenient point for securing the hook of a bungee cord or for tying offany line used to secure an article to the platforms 70, 86.

[0031] As should be appreciated, the platforms 70, 86 are aligned andstacked when secured and mounted on the frame 62. The platforms 70, 86function to carry various articles at a point only slightly rearwardlyremoved from the point of connection with the receiver assembly 10. As aresult, the weight of the articles is carried closer to the rear axle ofthe towing vehicle where it may be more efficiently and effectivelysupported.

[0032] It should also be appreciated that the double decker articlecarrier 60 provides great versatility in storing and carrying articles.Specifically, either one of the platforms 70, 86 may be removed ifdesired. For example, if the second, upper platform 86 is removed fromthe support members 84, taller articles may be carried on the first,lower platform 70. Further, it should be appreciated that the upwardlydepending support members 84 are available to help secure those tallerarticles in place. This enhances the versatility of the article carrier60 so that it is suitable for many, many applications.

[0033] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of thisinvention has been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications orvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example,the bars 64 which allow stable two-point connection in the accessoryreceivers 50 could be plugged into a T-shaped adapter having a singlemounting bar for securing in the receiver box 18 of a trailer hitchreceiver assembly. In this way the article carrier of the presentinvention may be secured in a standard trailer hitch receiver assemblynot incorporating any accessory receivers 50. Conversely, the bars 64may be secured in the cooperating accessory receivers 50 of a receiverassembly 10 that does not include any trailer hitch receiver box 18 andprovides no trailer towing function, just accessory mounting.

[0034] The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the bestillustration of the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the invention asdetermined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

1.) a double decker article carrier for mounting to a receiver assemblyon a vehicle, comprising: a frame including at least one elongatedmounting bar extending in a first direction and at least one elongatedsupport member extending in a second direction; a first platformattached to said mounting bar; and a second platform attached to saidsupport member, said second platform being spaced from and at leastpartially overlying said first platform so as to provide a storage spacebetween the platforms; wherein the first and second platforms are fixedagainst relative movement. 2.) The double decker article carrier ofclaim 1, further including at least one tie rod secured to said firstplatform. 3.) The double decker article carrier of claim 1, furtherincluding at least one tie rod secured to said second platform. 4.) Thedouble decker article carrier of claim 1, wherein said at least onesupport member is substantially L-shaped. 5.) A double decker articlecarrier for mounting to a receiver assembly on a vehicle, comprising: aframe including a pair of spaced apart mounting bars for securing saidframe to the receiver assembly and a pair of spaced apart supportmembers; a first platform associated with said pair of mounting bars;and a second, substantially identical platform associated with said pairof support members and at least partially overlying the first platform.6.) The double decker article carrier of claim 5, further including atleast one tie rod secured to said first platform. 7.) The double deckerarticle carrier of claim 5, further including at least one tie rodsecured to said second platform. 8.) The double decker article carrierof claim 5, wherein each of said pair of support members issubstantially L-shaped. 9.) The double decker article carrier of claim5, wherein said first and second platforms are carried in an aligned,stacked configuration. 10.) The double decker article carrier of claim5, wherein each mounting bar of said pair of mounting bars includes amounting aperture in a proximal end. 11.) The double decker articlecarrier of claim 10, wherein a pin is received in each said mountingaperture. 12.) The double decker article carrier of claim 5, furtherincluding fasteners for securing said first and second platforms to saidpair of mounting bars and said pair of support members respectively sothat a storage space is provided between the first and second platforms.13.) A double decker article carrier for mounting to a receiver assemblyon a vehicle, comprising: a frame including at least one mounting barand at least one support member; a first platform attached to saidmounting bar; and a second platform attached to said support member,said first and second platforms arranged so that at least a portion ofsaid second platform is vertically aligned and stacked above at least aportion of said first platform. 14.) The double decker article carrierof claim 13, wherein the support member is L-shaped and supports thesecond platform in a cantilevered fashion. 15.) The double deckerarticle carrier of claim 13, wherein the second platform includes adirection of elongation and the support member extends generallytransverse to the direction of elongation. 16.) The double deckerarticle carrier of claim 13, wherein the attachment is made between anunderside of the first platform and the mounting bar. 17.) The doubledecker article carrier of claim 13, wherein the attachment is madebetween the underside of the second platform and the support member.18.) The double decker article carrier of claim 13, wherein the firstplatform includes a front edge and a rear edge, and wherein a portion ofthe mounting bar extends generally from the front edge to the rear edge.19.) The double decker article carrier of claim 13, wherein the secondplatform includes a front edge and a rear edge, and wherein a portion ofthe support member extends generally from the front edge to the rearedge. 20.) The double decker article carrier of claim 13, wherein thefirst and second platforms are substantially identical.